Joey White for WVMetroNews.com
BRIDGEPORT, W.Va. – With her legacy cemented as one of West Virginia’s best high school sprinters, Bridgeport senior McKenna Smith hopes to shatter more records and capture more medals this spring.
With all the success the track star has accumulated in her career, it’s hard to believe that just two years ago a severe case of shin splints kept her from competing in the state championships.
“My sophomore year I ended up getting hurt and had to sit out the rest of the season,” said Smith. “I had to sit out and watch my team at states and know that I couldn’t help them perform. That was kind of awful, but I kind of tried to keep a positive mindset.”
After a long offseason of rehabbing and training, Smith came back her junior year wanting to show the state what she was capable of. She didn’t disappoint, taking first place in Class AA in the 100, 200, 400 and 300 hurdles, setting multiple state records in the process.
Because of her achievements last season, Smith was announced earlier this year as the McCoy Award winner, given to the state’s best male and female athletes in cross country/track and field. She’ll officially receive her award on May 21 at the 71st Victory Awards.
“It was great. I was honored to win that award,” said Smith. “I worked really hard, and it’s great to see that my hard work paid off. To come back, work harder, and be able to do that just felt awesome.”
With four individual state titles and another team title under her belt, Smith entered the season — and will enter the upcoming state track meet later this month — with more lofty goals in mind.
“Last season was a pretty good season, and I hope to do even better this year,” said Smith. “Hopefully I can break the records I set last year, and get a state championship as a team.”
So far, Smith has picked up where she left off last year and recently swept the 100, 200, and 400 at the Harry Green Statewide Invitational on April 22. She credits a revamped training schedule to her continued success this season.
“This year is kind of different than before because I’m training harder, running more, and lifting more than I have previous years,” said Smith “I definitely have been stretching and icing more, and taking care of little things that ache. I just pay attention to my body more.”
As for future, Smith signed a letter of intent last November to join the WVU track team. She will enter the team as the projected top sprinter, posting faster times in high school than anyone on the team the past two years.
“I always wanted to go to WVU,” said Smith. “I love it there, and I’m super excited that I’ll be coming in for the fall.”
With her future decided, Smith is focused on bringing some more titles to Bridgeport to close her career.
“Now that I signed early I don’t have to worry about anything,” said Smith. “I can just go through my senior season with no pressure.”